Thermal control of hair color-altering compositions

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to thermal control of compositions for altering the color of hair, in particular to hair bleaching compositions comprising thermal control agents, hair color-altering compositions comprising the hair bleaching compositions and/or thermal control agents, methods for preparing and using the hair color-altering compositions, and kits comprising the hair bleaching compositions and/or thermal control agents.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to thermal control of compositions foraltering the color of hair, in particular to hair bleaching compositionscomprising thermal control agents, hair color-altering compositionscomprising the hair bleaching compositions and/or thermal controlagents, methods for preparing and using the hair color-alteringcompositions, and kits comprising the hair bleaching compositions and/orthermal control agents.

BACKGROUND

Consumers want compositions that enhance the appearance of hair, e.g.,by changing the color, style, and/or shape of the hair, and/or byimparting various properties to hair, such as shine and conditioning.Many of the known compositions and processes for enhancing theappearance of the hair involve chemical treatment of the hair. Theprocess of changing the color of hair, for example, can involvedepositing an artificial color onto the hair which provides a differentshade or color to the hair, and/or lifting the color of the hair(bleaching), such as lightening the color of dark hair to lightershades. The process of lifting the color of hair, also known aslightening, generally requires the use of compositions that comprise atleast one oxidizing agent.

Bleaching or lifting the color of the hair is typically evaluated by thevariation in tone height before and after the application of a haircolor-altering composition onto hair. This variation corresponds to thedegree or level of lightening or lift. The notion of “tone” is based onthe classification of the natural shades, one tone separating each shadefrom the shade immediately following or preceding it, which is wellknown to hairstyling professionals. The tone heights or levels rangefrom 1 (black) to 10 (light blond), one unit corresponding to one tone;thus, the higher the number, the lighter the shade or the greater thedegree of lift.

To increase the lift attained when bleaching hair, the quantity ofpersulfates and silicates in the bleaching composition are typicallyincreased, as is the amount of oxidizing agent in the developercomposition. However, this increase leads to an increase in temperaturewhen the bleaching composition is mixed with an aqueous developer, forexample to temperatures greater than about 70° C. (i.e. greater thanabout 160° F.), which can result in conditions that are unsafe. However,the more active the bleaching environment is, the more effective it isat lightening hair, which is desired by consumers.

Therefore, there is a need for hair color-altering compositions that arecapable of providing high levels of lift (e.g., up to 9 levels) to hairwhile still maintaining thermal control. It has now surprisingly beendiscovered that hair color-altering compositions comprising acombination of thermal control agents are able to maintain a peaktemperature of less than about 65° C., while imparting up to 9 levels oflift to hair.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides compositions that are useful forpreparing hair color-altering compositions capable of providing highlevels of lift, while maintaining thermal control. Hair color-alteringcompositions according to the disclosure are prepared by combining ahair bleaching composition and a developer composition, and optionally athermal control composition. In various embodiments, the haircolor-altering composition achieve a peak temperature of less than about60° C., such as less than about 50° C., while imparting up to 9 levelsof lift to hair.

Hair bleaching compositions according to the disclosure may include atleast two thermal control agents comprising sodium stearate and ammoniumsulfate, at least one persulfate compound, and at least one silicatecompound. In various embodiments, the at least one silicate compound maybe chosen from sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, or mixturesthereof. The sodium stearate can be present in an amount of at leastabout 1.5%, such as at least about 2% or at least about 2.5% by weight,relative to the total weight of the hair bleaching composition. Ammoniumsulfate can be present in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 8%,such as about 2.5% to about 6.5%, by weight, relative to the totalweight of the hair bleaching composition. The ratio of sodium stearateto ammonium sulfate can be greater than about 1:1, such as greater thanabout 1.5:1. The at least one silicate can include sodium metasilicate,present in amount of at least 5% by weight, relative to the total weightof the hair bleaching composition. The at least one persulfate compoundcan be chosen from potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, sodiumpersulfate, or mixtures thereof, present in an amount of at least about10%, such as at least about 15%, or at least about 20% by weight,relative to the total weight of the hair bleaching composition. Thetotal amount of the thermal control agents can range from about 2.5% toabout 20%, such as about 3% to about 18%, or about 5% to about 15% byweight, relative to the total weight of the hair bleaching composition.The hair bleaching composition may be pulverulent, and may include lessthan 1% water by weight, relative to the total weight of the pulverulenthair bleaching composition. The hair bleaching composition can includeoil in an amount of less than about 5% by weight, relative to the totalweight of the hair bleaching composition.

Developer compositions typically include at least one oxidizing agent.The at least one oxidizing agent may comprise hydrogen peroxide, whichcan be present in an amount ranging from about 7.5% to about 20%, suchas about 9% to about 18%, or about 11% to about 15% by weight, relativeto the total weight of the aqueous developer composition.

Thermal control compositions according to the disclosure comprise atleast one thermal control agent chosen from sodium stearate and ammoniumsulfate.

The hair color-altering compositions of the present disclosure may beformed by combining a hair bleaching composition according to thedisclosure with an aqueous developer composition, at or near the time ofuse. The hair bleaching composition and the aqueous developercomposition can be mixed at a ratio ranging from about 1:3 to 3:1, suchas about 1:1 or about 1:1.5. The hair color-altering compositions of thepresent disclosure may also be formed by combining a hair bleachingcomposition other than a hair bleaching composition according to thedisclosure (e.g., a commercially available hair bleaching composition)with a developer composition and a thermal control composition.

The disclosure also relates to methods for altering the color of thehair by applying a hair color-altering composition according to thedisclosure to the hair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to thermal control of compositions foraltering the color of hair, in particular to hair bleaching compositionscomprising thermal control agents, hair color-altering compositionscomprising hair bleaching compositions according to the disclosureand/or thermal control agents, methods for preparing and using the haircolor-altering compositions, and kits comprising hair bleachingcompositions according to the disclosure and/or thermal control agents.

Hair Bleaching Compositions

Hair bleaching compositions according to the disclosure include at leasttwo thermal control agents, at least one persulfate compound, and atleast one silicate compound. In some embodiments, the hair bleachingcompositions are anhydrous or essentially anhydrous. For example, thehair bleaching composition compositions can include less than about 3%,less than about 2%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, or lessthan about 0.1% water by weight, relative to the total weight of thehair bleaching composition.

Thermal Control Agents

The hair bleaching compositions include at least two thermal controlagents comprising sodium stearate and ammonium sulfate, which incombination surprisingly provide thermal control to hair color-alteringcompositions.

The total amount of thermal control agents in the hair bleachingcomposition can range from about 3% to about 20%, such as 4% to about15%, about 5% to about 12%, about 5.5% to about 10%, about 6% to about9%, or about 6.5% to about 7.5% by weight, based on the total weight ofthe hair bleaching composition. In certain embodiments, the total amountof thermal control agents in the hair bleaching composition ranges fromabout 2% to about 10%, about 3% to about 10%, about 4% to about 10%,about 5% to about 10%, about 6% to about 10%, about 2% to about 9%,about 3% to about 9%, about 4% to about 9%, about 5% to about 9%, about6% to about 9%, about 2% to about 8%, about 3% to about 8%, about 4% toabout 8%, about 5% to about 8%, about 6% to about 8%, about 2% to about7%, about 3% to about 7%, about 4% to about 7%, about 5% to about 7%, orabout 6% to about 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the hairbleaching composition.

The sodium stearate can be present in an amount of at least about 1.5%,at least about 2.5%, such as amounts ranging from about 2% to about 10%,about 2.5% to about 8%, about 3% to about 7%, or about 4% to about 6.5%by weight, relative to the total weight of the hair bleachingcomposition. In certain embodiments, the amount of sodium stearateranges from about 2% to about 10%, about 3% to about 10%, about 4% toabout 10%, about 2% to about 9%, about 3% to about 9%, about 4% to about9%, about 2% to about 8%, about 3% to about 8%, about 4% to about 8%,about 2% to about 7%, about 3% to about 7%, about 4% to about 7%, about2% to about 6%, about 3% to about 6%, about 4% to about 6%, about 2% toabout 5%, about 3% to about 5%, or about 4% to about 5% by weight, basedon the total weight of the hair bleaching composition.

The ammonium sulfate can be present in an amount of at least about 1.5%,at least about 2%, such as amounts ranging from about 1% to about 10%,such as about 1% to about 9%, about 1.5% to about 8%, about 1.5% toabout 7%, or about 2% to about 6% by weight, relative to the totalweight of the hair bleaching composition. In certain embodiments, theamount of ammonium sulfate ranges from about 1% to about 10%, about 2%to about 10%, about 3% to about 10%, about 4% to about 10%, about 1% toabout 9%, about 2% to about 9%, about 3% to about 9%, about 4% to about9%, about 1% to about 8%, about 2% to about 8%, about 3% to about 8%,about 4% to about 8%, about 1% to about 7%, about 2% to about 7%, about3% to about 7%, about 4% to about 7%, about 1% to about 6%, about 2% toabout 6%, about 3% to about 6%, about 4% to about 6%, about 1% to about5%, about 2% to about 5%, about 3% to about 5%, about 4% to about 5%,about 1% to about 4%, about 2% to about 4%, about 3% to about 4%, about1% to about 3%, or about 2% to about 3% by weight, based on the totalweight of the hair bleaching composition.

In various embodiments, the weight ratio of sodium stearate to ammoniumsulfate in hair bleaching compositions according to the disclosure maybe greater than about 1:1, such as greater than about 1.1:1, greaterthan about 1.2:1, greater than about 1.3:1, greater than about 1.4:1,greater than about 1.5:1, or greater than about 1.6:1. For example, theweight ratio of sodium stearate to ammonium sulfate may range from about1:1 to about 2:1, from about 1:1 to about 1.9:1, from about 1:1 to about1.8:1, or from about 1:1 to about 1.7:1. In certain embodiments, theweight ratio of sodium stearate to ammonium sulfate may be about 1.5:1,about 1.6:1, or about 1.7:1.

In a particular embodiment, the thermal control agent comprises sodiumstearate in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 10%, about 2% toabout 8%, about 2% to about 6%, or about 3% to about 5%, ammoniumsulfate in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5%, about 1% toabout 4%, about 1% to about 3.5%, or about 1.5% to about 3.5%, allweights relative to the total weight of the hair bleaching composition,where the weight ratio of sodium stearate to ammonium sulfate in thehair bleaching composition ranges from about 1:1 to about 1.7:1, about1.3:1 to about 1.7:1, or about 1.5:1 to about 1.7:1.

Persulfate Compounds

The hair bleaching compositions include at least one persulfatecompound. Suitable persulfate compounds can include, but are not limitedto, potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, ormixtures thereof. Persulfate compounds can be present in an amount of atleast about 10%, such as at least about 20%, at least about 30%, atleast about 40%, or at least about 50% by weight, relative to the totalweight of the hair bleaching composition. In some embodiments, the totalamount of persulfate compounds can range from about 20% to about 70%,such as about 30% to about 65%, about 45% to about 65%, about 40% toabout 60%, about 50% to about 60%, or about 50% to about 55% by weight,relative to the total weight of the hair bleaching composition.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the total amount of persulfatesto the total amount of thermal control agents in the hair bleachingcompositions may be less than about 10:1, less than about 9.8:1, or lessthan about 9.5:1. In certain embodiments, the weight ratio of the totalamount of persulfates to the total amount of thermal control agents inthe hair bleaching compositions may range from about 6:1 to about 10:1,such as about 6.4:1 to about 9.6:1.

In various exemplary embodiments, the hair bleaching compositionscomprise a mixture of potassium persulfate and ammonium persulfate,present in a total amount ranging from about 45% to about 65% or about50% to about 60% by weight, relative to the total weight of the hairbleaching composition, wherein the weight ratio of the potassiumpersulfate and ammonium persulfate to the total amount of thermalcontrol agents in the hair bleaching compositions ranges from about 6:1to about 10:1 or about 6.4:1 to about 9.6:1, and wherein the weightratio of sodium stearate to ammonium sulfate is greater than about1.5:1, for example from about 1:1 to about 2:1.

Silicate Compounds

The hair bleaching compositions also include at least one silicatecompound. Non-limiting examples of silicates include lithium, sodium,and potassium silicates, metasilicates, and/or disilicates, andcombinations thereof, including mixed lithium, sodium, and potassiumsalts thereof. Specific non-limiting examples include aluminum silicate,magnesium silicate, aluminum magnesium silicate, calcium silicate,barium silicate, strontium silicate, potassium silicate, potassiummetasilicate, sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, or any mixturethereof. In one embodiment, the at least one silicate compound is chosenfrom sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, or mixtures thereof.

The total amount of silicates in the hair bleaching composition mayvary, but is typically about 1% to about 40% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the hair bleaching composition. In some embodiments, thetotal amount of the one or more silicates is about 1% to about 35%,about 1% to about 30%, about 1% to about 25%, about 1% to about 20%,about 5% to about 40%, about 5% to about 35%, about 5% to about 30%,about 5% to about 25%, about 5% to about 20%, about 10% to about 40%,about 10% to about 35%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about 25%,about 10% to about 20%, about 15% to about 40%, about 15% to about 35%,about 15% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%, or about 15% to about20% by weight, based on the total weight of the hair bleachingcomposition. In some embodiments, the total amount of silicates rangesfrom about 12% to about 20% or about 14% to about 18% by weight, basedon the total weight of the hair bleaching composition.

In some embodiments, the at least one silicate comprises sodiumsilicate, wherein the sodium silicate is present in an amount of atleast about 3%, such as at least about 5% by weight, for example fromabout 3% to about 10%, about 4% to about 8%, or about 5% to about 7% byweight, based on the total weight of the hair bleaching composition.

In other embodiments, the at least one silicate comprises sodiummetasilicate, wherein the sodium metasilicate is present in an amount upto about 20%, such as up to about 18%, or up to about 16%, for examplefrom about 5% to about 20%, about 7% to about 18%, about 10% to about15%, or about 12% to about 14% by weight, based on the total weight ofthe hair bleaching composition.

In further embodiments, the weight ratio of the total amount ofsilicates to the total amount of thermal control agents in the hairbleaching compositions may be less than about 3.5:1, or less than about3:1. In certain embodiments, the weight ratio of the total amount ofsilicates to the total amount of thermal control agents in the hairbleaching compositions may range from about 2:1 to about 4:1, such asabout 2.2:1 to about 3.7:1.

In various embodiments when the hair bleaching compositions comprisessodium metasilicate, the weight ratio of the sodium metasilicate to thetotal amount of thermal control agents may range from about 1:1 to about3:1, such as about 1.5:1 to about 2.6:1.

In further embodiments, the total amount of persulfate compounds andtotal amount of silicate compounds may be chosen such that the weightratio of persulfates to silicates ranges from about 1.5:1 to about3.5:1, for example about 2:1 to about 3:1 or about 2.25:1 to about2.75:1.

In various exemplary embodiments, the hair bleaching compositionscomprise sodium silicate and/or sodium metasilicate, present in a totalamount ranging from about 10% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 25% byweight, relative to the total weight of the hair bleaching composition,wherein the weight ratio of the sodium silicate and/or sodiummetasilicate to the total amount of thermal control agents in the hairbleaching compositions ranges from about 2:1 to about 4:1 or about 2.2:1to about 3.7:1, and wherein the weight ratio of sodium stearate toammonium sulfate is greater than about 1.5:1, for example from about 1:1to about 2:1.

Additional Components

The hair bleaching compositions may optionally include other componentstypically used in hair bleaching compositions, but the skilled personwill take care to ensure that the additional components do not impair,or do not substantially impair, the thermal control of the thermalcontrol agents.

Oxidizing Agents

The hair bleaching compositions may optionally include one or moreoxidizing agents in addition to the at least one persulfate compound.For example, the one or more additional oxidizing agents may be selectedfrom the group consisting of perborates, percarbonates, salts thereof,or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the hair bleachingcompositions can include, as additional oxidizing agents, one or more ofalkali metal bromates, ferricyanides, redox enzymes such as laccases,peroxidases, and 2-electron oxidoreductases, such as uricase. Theseoxidizing agents may be used in place of or in combination with one ormore oxidizing agents selected from the group consisting of perborates,percarbonates, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof.

The total amount of additional oxidizing agents in the hair bleachingcompositions may vary but is typically about 5% to about 45%, such asfrom about 5% to about 40%, from about 5% to about 35%, from about 5% toabout 30%, from about 5% to about 25%, from about 5% to about 20%, fromabout 5% to about 15%, or from about 5% to about 10% by weight, based onthe total weight of the hair bleaching composition. In at least oneembodiment, the hair bleaching composition is free or substantially freeof oxidizing agents other than the persulfates described above.

Alkaline Agents

Optionally, the hair bleaching compositions may include one or morealkaline agents other than the at least one silicate compound. By way ofexample, alkanolamines, organic amines, basic amino acids, saltsthereof, or mixtures thereof may be chosen. Non-limiting examples ofalkanolamines include monoethanolamine and triethanolamine. Non-limitingexamples of organic amines include 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP),2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, and guanidine. Non-limiting examplesof basic amino acids include arginine, glycine, and lysine. In otherembodiments, additional alkaline agents may be chosen from inorganicalkaline agents such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calciumhydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate hydroxide, bariumhydroxide, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, ammonium carbonate,sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, or magnesium carbonate. Mixturesof any of the above additional alkaline agents may be used, for exampleglycine and magnesium carbonate hydroxide.

The total amount of the one or more additional alkaline agents otherthan the silicate compounds may vary, but may range from about 0.1% toabout 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the hair bleachingcomposition. In some embodiments, the total amount of the one or morealkaline agents other than the silicate compounds ranges from about 0.1%to about 15%, about 0.1% to about 13%, about 0.1% to about 11%, about 1%to about 15%, about 1% to about 13%, about 1% to about 11%, about 3% toabout 15%, about 3% to about 13%, about 3% to about 11%, about 5% toabout 15%, about 5% to about 13%, or about 5% to about 11% by weight,based on the total weight of the hair bleaching composition.

Thickening Agents

The hair bleaching composition may optionally include one or morethickening agents. Non-limiting examples of thickening agents includecarboxylic acid/carboxylate copolymers, hydrophobically-modifiedcross-linked copolymers of carboxylic acid and alkyl carboxylate vinylpolymers, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,hydroxylpropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, sodium cellulose sulfate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,crystalline cellulose, cellulose powder, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohol, guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, xanthan gum, arabic gum,tragacanth gum, carob gum, karaya gum, carrageenan, pectin, agar,starch, algae colloids, starch-based polymers, methylhydroxypropylstarch, alginic acid-based polymers, propylene glycol esters,polyethyleneimine, bentonite, aluminum magnesium silicate, laponite,hectonite, anhydrous silicic acid, or mixtures thereof. In someembodiments, guar gum is particularly useful. In some embodiments, itmay be preferable to exclude cellulose thickeners, such as cellulosegum, etc.

The total amount of the one or more thickening agents may vary, buttypically ranges from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the hair bleaching composition. In some embodiments, thetotal amount of thickening agents may range from about 0.1% to about 8%,such as about 0.1% to about 6%, about 0.1% to about 4%, about 0.5% toabout 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.5% to about 6%, about 0.5% toabout 12%, about 0.5% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.5%to about 6%, about 0.5% to about 4%, about 1% to about 10%, about 1% toabout 8%, about 1% to about 6%, about 1% to about 4%, or about 1% toabout 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the hair bleachingcomposition.

Oils

In some embodiments, the hair bleaching composition includes one or moreoils. The oils may include those generally used in cosmetics andparticularly oils of animal, vegetable or mineral origin, linear orbranched hydrocarbons, optionally branched and/or unsaturated fattyacids, optionally branched and/or unsaturated fatty alcohols, mono-and/or polyesters of fatty acids and/or of fatty alcohols,perfluorinated and/or organ fluorinated oils, volatile or non-volatilesilicone oils, fluorosilicone oils and their mixtures. Mention is made,as an example of linear or branched hydrocarbons, of oils of mineral orsynthetic origin, such as liquid paraffins and their derivatives,petrolatum, mineral oils, polybutene, hydrogenated polyisobutene,polyisoprene, polydecenes such as hydrogenated polydecene, or alsolinear, branched and/or cyclic alkanes which are optionally volatile,such as, for example, isohexadecane, isododecane, isodecane orisohexadecane, and their mixtures.

If present, the total amount of the one or more oils in the hairbleaching composition may vary but is typically less than about 5%, suchas about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of thehair bleaching composition. In some embodiments, the total amount of theone or more oils may be about 0.1% to about 4%, about 0.1% to about 3%,about 0.1% to about 2%, or about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, based onthe total weight of the hair bleaching composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the hair bleaching composition comprisesmineral oil, which is present in an amount less than 5%, less than 4%,or less than 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the hairbleaching composition.

Acids

Optionally, the hair bleaching composition may comprise one or moreacid. The acids are typically non-polymeric and may have one (mono), two(di), or three (tri) carboxylic acid groups (—COOH). The non-polymericmono, di, and tricarboxylic acids, and/or salts thereof, typically havea molecular weight of less than about 500 g/mol, less than about 400g/mol, or less than about 300 g/mol.

Non-limiting examples of monocarboxylic acids include formic acid,acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid,entanthic acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, undecylicacid, lauric acid, tridecylic acid, lauric acid, tridecylic acid,myristic acid, pentadecylic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearicacid, nonadecylic acid, arachidic acid, lactic acid, a salt thereof, anda mixture thereof.

Non-limiting examples of dicarboxylic acids include oxalic acid, malonicacid, malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, succinic acid, adipicacid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid,dodecanedioic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid,2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, a salt thereof, and a mixturethereof.

Non-limiting examples of tricarboxylic acids include citric acid,isocitric acid, aconitric acid, propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid,benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof.

The total amount of the one or more acids may vary but is typicallyabout 0.01% to about 5%, based on the total weight of the hair bleachingcomposition. In some cases, the total amount of the one or more acids isabout 0.01% to about 4%, about 0.01% to about 3.5%, about 0.1% to about5%, about 0.1% to about 4%, about 0.1% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about5%, about 1% to about 4%, or about 1% to about 3.5% by weight, based onthe total weight of the hair bleaching composition.

Auxiliary Components

Auxiliary components may also optionally be included in the hairbleaching compositions such as, for example, preservatives, cationicconditioning compounds including cationic conditioning polymers,rheology-modifying agents, chelating agents, fatty substances,fragrances, colorants, fillers, amino acids, surfactants (cationic,anionic, nonionic, and/or amphoteric), dessicants, de-dusting agents,ceramides, pH adjusting agents, etc. Such auxiliary components may bepresent in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 5%, such asabout 0.01% to about 3%, or about 0.1% to about 2%.

The hair bleaching compositions of the present disclosure may beprovided in a variety of different forms. For example, the bleachcomposition may be a solid, a powder (pulverulent), a gel, a paste, etc.In a preferred embodiment, the hair bleaching composition ispulverulent, and comprises less than 1%, less than 0.5%, or less than0.1% water.

Thermal Control Compositions

Optionally, the thermal control agents may be present in a compositionother than the hair bleaching composition.

In some embodiments, the thermal control compositions include at leasttwo thermal control agents comprising sodium stearate and ammoniumsulfate. In various embodiments, the weight ratio of sodium stearate toammonium sulfate in the thermal control compositions may be greater thanabout 1:1, such as greater than about 1.1:1, greater than about 1.2:1,greater than about 1.3:1, greater than about 1.4:1, greater than about1.5:1, or greater than about 1.6:1. For example, the weight ratio ofsodium stearate to ammonium sulfate may range from about 1:1 to about2:1, from about 1:1 to about 1.9:1, from about 1:1 to about 1.8:1, orfrom about 1:1 to about 1.7:1. In certain embodiments, the weight ratioof sodium stearate to ammonium sulfate may be about 1.5:1, about 1.6:1,or about 1.7:1.

In further embodiments, a thermal control composition may comprise afirst thermal control agent chosen from sodium stearate and ammoniumsulfate, which may be mixed with a hair bleaching composition, developercomposition, and/or another composition, e.g. a second thermal controlcomposition, comprising a second thermal control agent chosen fromsodium stearate and ammonium sulfate, so that the ratio of sodiumstearate and ammonium sulfate in the mixture is greater than about 1:1,such as greater than about 1.1:1, greater than about 1.2:1, greater thanabout 1.3:1, greater than about 1.4:1, greater than about 1.5:1, orgreater than about 1.6:1, for example range from about 1:1 to about 2:1,from about 1:1 to about 1.9:1, from about 1:1 to about 1.8:1, or fromabout 1:1 to about 1.7:1, or are about 1.5:1, about 1.6:1, or about1.7:1. For example, a first thermal control agent in an exemplarythermal control composition may be chosen from sodium stearate, and thethermal control composition may be mixed with a hair bleachingcomposition or a second thermal control composition comprising ammoniumsulfate, where the mixture comprises sodium stearate and ammoniumsulfate in the recited weight ratios.

The thermal control compositions may optionally include additionalcomponents, such as fillers or excipients, or other components that maybe typical in a hair color-altering composition, such as alkalizingagents and oxidizing agents. Thus, the thermal control compositions maycomprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the thermal controlagents. For example, the thermal control compositions may comprise,consist essentially of, or consist of sodium stearate, may comprise,consist essentially of, or consist of ammonium sulfate, may comprise,consist essentially of, or consist of sodium stearate and ammoniumsulfate, may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of sodiumstearate and/or ammonium sulfate and at least one filler (e.g., talc),etc.

Hair Color-Altering Compositions

The hair color-altering compositions according to the disclosurecomprise thermal control agents in order to reduce the peak temperatureof the composition. The hair color-altering compositions may, in someembodiments, be formed by mixing a hair bleaching composition accordingto the disclosure with a developer composition. In further embodiments,the hair color-altering compositions are formed by mixing a hairbleaching composition not according to the disclosure, e.g., acommercially available hair bleaching composition, with a developercomposition and a thermal control composition. In addition, the haircolor-altering compositions may include any additional componentstypically used in hair color-altering compositions, but the skilledperson will take care to ensure that the additional components do notimpair, or do not substantially impair, the thermal control of thethermal control agents.

Thermal Control Agents

Hair color-altering compositions according to the disclosure comprise atleast two thermal control agents comprising sodium stearate and ammoniumsulfate. The total amount of thermal control agents comprising sodiumstearate and ammonium sulfate in the hair color-altering composition canrange from about 1.2% to about 10%, such as 1.6% to about 7.5%, about 2%to about 6%, about 2.2% to about 5%, about 2.4% to about 4.5%, or about2.6% to about 3.75% by weight, based on the total weight of the haircolor-altering composition. In certain embodiments, the total amount ofthermal control agents in the hair color-altering composition rangesfrom about 0.8% to about 5%, about 1.2% to about 5%, about 1.6% to about5%, about 2% to about 5%, about 1.2% to about 5%, about 0.8% to about4.5%, about 1.2% to about 4.5%, about 1.6% to about 4.5%, about 2% toabout 4.5%, about 2.4% to about 4.5%, about 0.8% to about 4%, about 1.2%to about 4%, about 1.6% to about 4%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2.4% toabout 4%, about 0.8% to about 3.5%, about 1.2% to about 3.5%, about 1.6%to about 3.5%, about 2% to about 3.5%, about 2.1% to about 3.2%, orabout 2.4% to about 3.5% by weight, based on the total weight of thehair color-altering composition.

The sodium stearate can be present in an amount of at least about 0.6%,such as amounts ranging from about 0.8% to about 5%, about 1% to about4%, about 1.2% to about 3.5%, or about 1.6% to about 2.6% by weight,relative to the total weight of the hair color-altering composition. Incertain embodiments, the amount of sodium stearate ranges from about0.8% to about 5%, about 1.2% to about 5%, about 1.6% to about 5%, about0.8% to about 4.5%, about 1.2% to about 4.5%, about 1.6% to about 4.5%,about 0.8% to about 4%, about 1.2% to about 4%, about 1.6% to about 4%,about 0.8% to about 3.5%, about 1.2% to about 3.5%, about 1.6% to about3.5%, about 0.8% to about 3%, about 1.2% to about 3%, about 1.6% toabout 3%, about 0.8% to about 2.5%, about 1.2% to about 2.5%, or about1.6% to about 2.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the haircolor-altering composition.

The ammonium sulfate can be present in an amount ranging from about 0.4%to about 5%, such as about 0.4% to about 4.5%, about 0.6% to about 4%,about 0.6% to about 3.5%, or about 1.2% to about 3% by weight, relativeto the total weight of the hair color-altering composition. In certainembodiments, the amount of ammonium sulfate ranges from about 0.4% toabout 5%, about 0.8% to about 5%, about 1.2% to about 5%, about 1.6% toabout 5%, about 0.4% to about 4.5%, about 0.8% to about 4.5%, about 1.2%to about 4.5%, about 1.6% to about 4.5%, about 0.4% to about 4%, about0.8% to about 4%, about 1.2% to about 4%, about 1.6% to about 4%, about0.4% to about 3.5%, about 0.8% to about 3.5%, about 1.2% to about 3.5%,about 1.6% to about 3.5%, about 0.4% to about 3%, about 0.8% to about3%, about 1.2% to about 3%, about 1.6% to about 3%, about 0.4% to about2.5%, about 0.8% to about 2.5%, about 1.2% to about 2.5%, about 1.6% toabout 2.5%, about 0.4% to about 2%, about 0.8% to about 2%, about 1.2%to about 2%, about 0.4% to about 1.5%, or about 0.8% to about 1.5% byweight, based on the total weight of the hair color-alteringcomposition.

In various embodiments, the weight ratio of sodium stearate to ammoniumsulfate in the hair color-altering compositions may be greater thanabout 1:1, such as greater than about 1.1:1, greater than about 1.2:1,greater than about 1.3:1, greater than about 1.4:1, greater than about1.5:1, or greater than about 1.6:1. For example, the weight ratio ofsodium stearate to ammonium sulfate may range from about 1:1 to about2:1, from about 1:1 to about 1.9:1, from about 1:1 to about 1.8:1, orfrom about 1:1 to about 1.7:1. In certain embodiments, the weight ratioof sodium stearate to ammonium sulfate may be about 1.5:1, about 1.6:1,or about 1.7:1.

Developer Compositions

The developer compositions comprise at least one oxidizing agent, and acosmetically suitable carrier, for example water. In some embodiments,the developer composition is aqueous and the oxidizing agent comprises,consists essentially of, or consists of hydrogen peroxide. The totalamount of oxidizing agent and water in the developer composition canvary depending on the desired strength of the developer composition.

Cosmetic Carrier

The developer compositions comprise a cosmetically suitable carrier,which may, in certain embodiments, include water. The total amount ofwater may vary, but in some embodiments ranges from about 40% to about96% by weight, based on the total weight of the developer composition.In some embodiments, the total amount of water ranges from about 50% toabout 96%, about 60% to about 96%, about 70% to about 96%, about 80% toabout 96%, about 83% to about 95%, about 60% to about 95%, about 70% toabout 95%, or about 80% to about 95% by weight, based on the totalweight of the developer composition.

Optionally, the developer composition may comprise one or moreadditional solvents in addition to water in the carrier. For example,organic solvents may be included in the developer compositions. By wayof example only, organic solvent may be chosen from monoalcohols andpolyols such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzylalcohol, and phenylethyl alcohol, or glycols or glycol ethers such as,for example, monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutyl ethers of ethyleneglycol, propylene glycol or ethers thereof such as, for example,monomethyl ether of propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol,dipropylene glycol as well as alkyl ethers of diethylene glycol, forexample monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether of diethylene glycol. Othersuitable examples of organic solvents are ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, propane diol, and glycerin. Ifpresent, the additional solvent may be in the developer composition in atotal amount ranging up to about 10%, such as about 0.01% to about 10%,about 0.01% to about 5%, about 0.1% to about 5%, about 0.1% to about 4%,about 0.1% to about 3%, about 0.1% to about 2%, or about 0.1% to about1% by weight, based on the total weight of the developer composition.

Oxidizing Agents

The developer composition comprises at least one oxidizing agent. Asuseful oxidizing agents, hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, alkali metalbromates, alkali metal ferricyanides, and persalts, such as perboratesor persulphates, may be chosen. Use may also be made of one or moreoxidation-reduction enzymes, such as laccases, peroxidases and2-electron oxidoreductases (such as uricase), optionally in the presenceof their respective donor or cofactor.

In various embodiments, the total amount of oxidizing agent in thedeveloper composition ranges from about 1% to about 30% by weight, basedon the total weight of the developer composition. For instance, thetotal amount of oxidizing agent may be about 1% to about 20%, about 1%to about 15%, about 1% to about 12%, about 3% to about 20%, about 3% toabout 15%, about 3% to about 12%, about 5% to about 20%, about 5% toabout 15%, about 5% to about 12%, about 7% to about 20%, about 7% toabout 15%, about 7% to about 12%, about 9% to about 20%, about 9% toabout 15%, or about 9% to about 12% by weight, based on the total weightof the developer composition. The total amount of oxidizing agent ispreferably at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, atleast about 10%, at least about 11%, or at least about 11.5%, such as at8% to about 12%, about 9% to about 12%, about 10% to about 12%, about11% to about 12%, or is about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, or about 12% byweight, based on the total weight of the developer composition.

In one embodiment, the developer composition is aqueous and compriseshydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent, where the hydrogen peroxide ispresent in the aqueous developer composition in an amount ranging fromabout 5% to about 20%, such as about 7% to about 15%, about 8% to about13%, about 8% to about 10%, about 9% to about 13%, or about 10% to about12%, for example about 7%, about 8%, about 9% about 10%, about 11% about12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15% by weight, based on the totalweight of the developer composition. The aqueous developer compositionmay thus be, for instance, 20V, 30V, or 40V hydrogen peroxidedevelopers, preferably 30V or 40V, and most preferably 40V.

Non-Ionic Surfactants

The developer compositions may optionally include at least one non-ionicsurfactant. Non-limiting classes of nonionic surfactants include estersof polyols with fatty acids and alkoxylated derivatives thereof,alkylpolyglucosides, sucrose esters, alkoxylated ethers of fatty acidsand glucose or alkylglucose, esters of fatty acids and glucose oralkylglucose, sorbitol esters of fatty acids and alkoxylated derivativesthereof, alkoxylated fatty alcohols (for example, ethoxylated fattyalcohols), alkanolamides, or mixtures thereof.

The alkoxy groups for the alkoxylated surfactants may, for example, bechosen from C2-C6 oxides and their mixtures, with ethylene oxide,propylene oxide, and their mixtures being the preferred alkoxides. Thealkyl chain may be linear, branched, saturated, or unsaturated.

In one embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant comprises at least onealkoxylated, e.g., ethoxylated, fatty alcohol or derivative thereof. Asused herein, “fatty alcohol” refers to any alcohol with a carbon chainof CS or greater, such as, for example, C8 or greater, C10 or greater,and C12 or greater. The at least one fatty alcohol may be chosen from,for example, C9-C11 alcohols, C12-C13 alcohols, C12-C15 alcohols,C12-C16 alcohols, or C14-C15 alcohols, or may be chosen from arachidylalcohol, behenyl alcohol, caprylic alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, cetylalcohol, coconut alcohol, decyl alcohol, hydrogenated tallow alcohol,jojoba alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, palmalcohol, palm kernel alcohol, stearyl alcohol, tallow alcohol, andtridecyl alcohol. Non-limiting examples of alkoxylated fatty alcoholsinclude Non-limiting examples of the at least one alkoxylated fattyalcohol include ceteareth-2, ceteareth-3, ceteareth-4, ceteareth-5,ceteareth-6, ceteareth-7, ceteareth-8, ceteareth-9, ceteareth-10,ceteareth-11, ceteareth-12, ceteareth-13, ceteareth-14, ceteareth-15,ceteareth-16, ceteareth-17, ceteareth-18, ceteareth-20, ceteareth-22,ceteareth-23, ceteareth-24, ceteareth-25, ceteareth-27, ceteareth-28,ceteareth-29, ceteareth-30, ceteareth-33, ceteareth-34, ceteareth-40,ceteareth-50, ceteareth-55, ceteareth-60, ceteareth-80, ceteareth-100,laureth-1, laureth-2, laureth-3, laureth-4, laureth-5, laureth-6,laureth-7, laureth-8, laureth-9, laureth-10, laureth-11, laureth-12,laureth-13, laureth-14, laureth-15, laureth-16, laureth-20, laureth-23,laureth-25, laureth-30, laureth-40, deceth-3, deceth-5, oleth-5,oleth-30, steareth-2, steareth-10, steareth-20, steareth-100,cctylsteareth-12, ceteareth-5, ceteareth-5, polyglyceryl 4-lauryl ether,polyglyceryl 4-oleyl ether, polyglyceryl 2-oleyl ether, polyglyceryl2-cetyl ether, polyglyceryl 6-cetyl ether, polyglyceryl 6-oleylcetylether, polyglyceryl 6-octadecyl ether, C9-C11 pareth-3, C9-C11 pareth-6,C11-C15 pareth-3, C11-C15 pareth-5, C11-C15 pareth-12, C11-C15pareth-20, C12-C15 pareth-9, C12-C15 pareth-12, and C22-C24 pareth-33,or mixtures thereof. Optionally, the at least one fatty alcohol may bechosen as a mixture or compound with the non-alkoxylated fatty alcohol.For example, the non-ionic surfactant may comprise ceteareth-25 andcetearyl alcohol.

Also useful herein as nonionic surfactants are alkyl glycosides, whichare the condensation products of long chain alcohols, e.g., C8-C30alcohols, with sugar or starch polymers. These compounds can berepresented by the formula (S)n-O—R wherein S is a sugar moiety such asglucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, and the like; n is an integer offrom about 1 to about 1000, and R is a C8-C30 alkyl group. Examples oflong chain alcohols from which the alkyl group can be derived includedecyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristylalcohol, oleyl alcohol, and the like. Preferred examples of thesesurfactants are alkyl polyglucosidcs wherein S is a glucose moiety, R isa C8-C20 alkyl group, and n is an integer of from about 1 to about 9.Commercially available examples of these surfactants include decylpolyglucoside and lauryl polyglucoside. Also useful herein are sucroseester surfactants such as sucrose cocoate and sucrose laurate.

Other nonionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention areglyceryl esters and polyglyceryl esters, including but not limited to,glyceryl monoesters, preferably glyceryl monoesters of C16-C22saturated, unsaturated and branched chain fatty acids such as glyceryloleate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monoisostearate, glycerylmonopalmitate, glyceryl monobehenate, and mixtures thereof, andpolyglyceryl esters of C16-C22 saturated, unsaturated and branched chainfatty acids, such as polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, polyglyceryl-oleate,polyglyceryl-2 sesquioleate, triglyceryl diisostearate, diglycerylmonooleate, tetraglyceryl monooleate, and mixtures thereof.

Also useful herein as nonionic surfactants are sorbitan esters.Preferable are sorbitan esters of C16-C22 saturated, unsaturated andbranched chain fatty acids. Because of the manner in which they aretypically manufactured, these sorbitan esters usually comprise mixturesof mono-, di-, tri-, etc. esters. Representative examples of suitablesorbitan esters include sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan sesquioleate,sorbitan monoisostearate, sorbitan stearates, sorbitan trioleate,sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan dipalmitates, and sorbitan isostearate.

If present, the amount of non-ionic surfactant may range from about 0.1%to about 10%, such as about 1% to about 10%, about 1% to about 8%, about1% to about 6%, or about 2% to about 4% by weight, relative to the totalweight of the developer composition. In certain embodiments, the amountof non-ionic surfactant ranges from about 0.1% to about 6%, about 0.1%to about 5%, about 0.1% to about 4%, about 0.1% to about 3%, 0.5% toabout 6%, about 0.5% to about 5%, about 0.5% to about 4%, about 0.5% toabout 3%, about 1% to about 6%, about 1% to about 5%, about 1% to about4%, about 1% to about 3%, about 1.5% to about 6%, about 1.5% to about5%, about 1.5% to about 4%, about 1.5% to about 3%, about 2% to about6%, about 2% to about 5%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2% to about 3%, orabout 2.5% to about 3.5% by weight, based on the total weight of thedeveloper composition.

Additional Components

The developer compositions may optionally include other componentstypically used in developer compositions, such as, for example,rheology-modifying agents, chelants, fatty substances, ceramides, pHadjusting agents, preservatives, fragrances, surfactants other thannon-ionic surfactants, etc.

The developer composition may be in the form of a powder, gel, liquid,foam, lotion, cream, mousse, or emulsion. In some embodiments, thedeveloper is anhydrous, and is mixed with water prior to orsimultaneously with being mixed with a hair bleaching composition (andoptionally with a thermal control composition) to form the haircolor-altering composition. The pH of the developer composition istypically acidic, and may range from about 1 to about 6, such as fromabout 2 to about 5.

In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a hair color-alteringcomposition comprises (1) a hair bleaching composition including atleast two thermal control agents comprising sodium stearate and ammoniumsulfate, at least one persulfate compound, and at least one silicatecompound, wherein the weight ratio of sodium stearate to ammoniumsulfate is greater than about 1:1, such as greater than about 1.1:1,greater than about 1.2:1, greater than about 1.3:1, greater than about1.4:1, greater than about 1.5:1, or greater than about 1.6:1, forexample range from about 1:1 to about 2:1, from about 1:1 to about1.9:1, from about 1:1 to about 1.8:1, or from about 1:1 to about 1.7:1,or is about 1.5:1, and (2) a developer composition comprising at leastone oxidizing agent. In this embodiment, the weights are given relativeto the total weight of the composition in which they are present priorto mixing to form the hair color-altering composition.

In a further exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a haircolor-altering composition comprises (1) a hair bleaching composition,(2) a developer composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent, and(3) a thermal control composition, wherein the hair bleachingcomposition, developer composition, and/or thermal control compositioncomprise at least one persulfate compound and/or at least one silicatecompound, such that the hair color-altering composition comprises atleast one persulfate compound and at least one silicate compound, andwherein the hair bleaching composition, developer composition, and/orthermal control composition comprise sodium stearate and/or ammoniumsulfate in total combined amounts so that when mixed to form the haircolor-altering composition, the ratio of sodium stearate to ammoniumsulfate in the mixture is greater than about 1:1, such as greater thanabout 1.1:1, greater than about 1.2:1, greater than about 1.3:1, greaterthan about 1.4:1, greater than about 1.5:1, or greater than about 1.6:1,for example range from about 1:1 to about 2:1, from about 1:1 to about1.9:1, from about 1:1 to about 1.8:1, or from about 1:1 to about 1.7:1,or is about 1.5:1, about 1.6:1, or about 1.7:1.

In a still further exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a haircolor-altering composition comprises at least two thermal control agentscomprising sodium stearate and ammonium sulfate, at least one persulfatecompound, at least one silicate compound chosen from sodium silicate,sodium metasilicate, or mixtures thereof, at least one oxidizing agent,and water, wherein the ratio of sodium stearate to ammonium sulfate isgreater than about 1:1, such as greater than about 1.1:1, greater thanabout 1.2:1, greater than about 1.3:1, greater than about 1.4:1, greaterthan about 1.5:1, or greater than about 1.6:1, for example range fromabout 1:1 to about 2:1, from about 1:1 to about 1.9:1, from about 1:1 toabout 1.8:1, or from about 1:1 to about 1.7:1, or is about 1.5:1, about1.6:1, or about 1.7:1, and wherein the peak temperature of the haircolor-altering composition is less than about 60° C.

Methods of Preparing Hair Color-Altering Compositions Having ThermalControl

The hair color-altering compositions of the present disclosure may beaqueous mixtures formed by mixing a hair bleaching composition accordingto the disclosure and a developer composition at or near the time ofuse, and/or by mixing a thermal control composition, a hair bleachingcomposition not according to the disclosure, and a developer compositionat or near the time of use. The hair color-altering compositions may bereferred to as “ready-to-use” compositions because these compositionsare typically ready to be applied to hair in order to alter the color ofthe hair. Thus, methods of preparing hair color-altering compositionshaving thermal control are contemplated by the disclosure.

In some embodiments, a hair bleaching composition comprising at leasttwo thermal control agents according to the disclosure may be mixed witha developer composition at a ratio ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1,such as from about 1:4 to about 4:1, about 1:3 to about 3:1, or about1:2 to about 2:1, or is, for example, about 5:1, about 4:1, about 3:1,about 2:1, about 1.5:1, about 1:1, about 1:1.5, about 1:2, about 1:3,about 1:4, or about 1:5. In other embodiments, a hair bleachingcomposition according to the disclosure is combined with a developercomposition at a ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:2, or about 1:2 to about1:4. In still further embodiments, a hair bleaching compositionaccording to the disclosure may be combined with a developer compositionin amounts such that the ratio of thermal control agents in the hairbleaching composition to oxidizing agent in the developer compositionranges from about 1:1 to about 1:4, about 1:1 to about 1:3, about 1:2 toabout 1:3, or about 1:2.5 to about 1:3, for example is about 1:1, isabout 1:2, is about 1:2.5, is about 1:2.8, or is about 1:3.

According to various embodiments, when a hair bleaching compositionaccording to the disclosure is mixed with a developer composition toform a hair color-altering composition, the peak temperature of the haircolor-altering composition is less than 70° C., for example less thanabout 65° C., less than about 60° C., less than about 58° C., less thanabout 55° C., less than about 53° C., or less than about 50° C.

According to further embodiments, the methods comprise mixing a thermalcontrol composition with a developer composition and a hair bleachingcomposition not according to the disclosure, to prepare a haircolor-altering composition having thermal control, e.g., a peaktemperature of less than 70° C., for example less than about 65° C.,less than about 60° C., less than about 58° C., less than about 55° C.,less than about 53° C., or less than about 50° C. In certainembodiments, the hair bleaching composition not according to thedisclosure does not comprise at least two thermal control agents in theamounts and/or ratios described herein, for example a commerciallyavailable hair bleaching composition may be used.

Methods of reducing the peak temperature of a hair-color alteringcomposition are therefore also contemplated. In various embodiments, themethods comprise including the at least two thermal control agentsdescribed herein in a hair bleaching composition that is mixed with adeveloper composition in order to prepare a hair color-alteringcomposition having thermal control, e.g., a peak temperature of lessthan 70° C., for example less than about 65° C., less than about 60° C.,less than about 58° C., less than about 55° C., less than about 53° C.,or less than about 50° C. In further embodiments, the methods compriseincluding preparing a hair color-altering composition having thermalcontrol, e.g., a peak temperature of less than 70° C., for example lessthan about 65° C., less than about 60° C., less than about 58° C., lessthan about 55° C., less than about 53° C., or less than about 50° C., bymixing a developer composition, a hair bleaching composition, and athermal control composition, wherein the hair color-altering compositioncomprises at least two thermal control agents.

Methods of Using Hair Color-Altering Compositions

Methods of altering the color of the hair, for example bleaching hair,are known. For example, after the hair bleaching composition anddeveloper composition are mixed, the hair color-altering composition isapplied to the hair (e.g., by brush, foam applicator, etc.), optionallythe treated hair is covered, e.g., with foil, the composition allowed toremain on the hair for a processing time sufficient to achieve thedesired alteration in the color of the hair, and then the composition isremoved from the hair, e.g., by rinsing and/or shampooing the hair.

In order to achieve the desired alteration in the color of the hair,e.g., desired degree or level of lift of the color of the hair, thecomposition may remain on the hair for shorter or longer processingtimes, and may be at room temperature or at slightly elevatedtemperatures to reduce processing time (e.g., under a hood dryer).Exemplary processing (leave-in) times may range from about 5 minutes toabout 75 minutes, such as about 10 minutes to about 65 minutes, about 15minutes to about 55 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 50 minutes, about20 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 25 minutes to about 45 minutes, orabout 30 minutes to about 40 minutes. Typically, the higher degree orlevel of lift desired, the greater the amounts of alkalizing andoxidizing agents in the bleaching composition, and oxidizing agents inthe developer composition, are required. However, as noted above, suchincreases in components leads to an increase in the peak temperature ofthe mixture, which can be harmful when using such hair color-alteringcompositions on the head of a person.

In contrast, however, methods according to the disclosure compriseapplying the hair color-altering compositions described herein to thehair in order to alter the color of the hair by providing up to 9 levelsof lift, such as at least 3 levels, at least 4 levels, at least 5levels, at least 6 levels, at least 7 levels, or at least 8 levels,without the associated risk, since the hair color-altering compositionshave a peak temperature of less than 70° C., for example less than about65° C., less than about 60° C., less than about 58° C., less than about55° C., less than about 53° C., or less than about 50° C.

In a first embodiment of using the hair color-altering compositions, themethods include applying a hair color-altering composition prepared bymixing a hair bleaching composition and a developer composition, andoptionally a thermal control composition, to hair, where the haircolor-altering composition has a peak temperature of less than about 60°C., less than about 58° C., less than about 55° C., less than about 53°C., or less than about 50° C.; optionally covering the treated hair,e.g. with foil; allowing the composition to remain on the hair for aprocessing time; and optionally rinsing the composition from the hair.In this exemplary and non-limiting first embodiment, the processing timeis a standard processing time, e.g. from about 5 minutes to about 75minutes, such as about 10 minutes to about 65 minutes, about 15 minutesto about 55 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 50 minutes, about 20minutes to about 30 minutes, about 25 minutes to about 45 minutes, orabout 30 minutes to about 40 minutes.

In a second embodiment of using the hair color-altering compositions,the methods include applying a hair color-altering composition preparedby mixing a hair bleaching composition and a developer composition, andoptionally a thermal control composition, to hair, where the haircolor-altering composition has a peak temperature of less than about 60°C., less than about 58° C., less than about 55° C., less than about 53°C., or less than about 50° C.; optionally covering the treated hair,e.g. with foil; allowing the composition to remain on the hair for afirst processing time; optionally rinsing the hair color-alteringcomposition from the hair; applying a hair color-altering compositionprepared by mixing a hair bleaching composition and a developercomposition, and optionally a thermal control composition, to the hair,where the hair color-altering composition has a peak temperature of lessthan about 60° C., less than about 58° C., less than about 55° C., lessthan about 53° C., or less than about 50° C.; optionally covering thetreated hair, e.g. with foil; allowing the composition to remain on thehair for a second processing time; and optionally rinsing the haircolor-altering composition from the hair. In this exemplary andnon-limiting second embodiment, the first and/or second processing timesmay optionally be shorter than a standard processing time, such as, forexample, from about 5 minutes to about 40 minutes, about 10 minutes toabout 35 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 30 minutes, or about 20minutes to about 25 minutes. The first and second processing times donot need to be the same, but a total processing time (first+second)ranging up to about 90 minutes, such as up to about 75 minutes, up toabout 65 minutes, up to about 60 minutes, up to about 55 minutes, up toabout 50 minutes, up to about 45 minutes, or up to about 40 minutes, mayin some embodiments provide improved lift compared to a singleprocessing time.

For measuring the degree of change in the color of hair (e.g., degree oflightening/lifting color or color deposit) after treating the hair, thecolor of the hair can be measured with a Minolta CM2600dspectrocolorimeter (specular components included, 10 degrees angle,illuminant D65) or Datacolor 600 spectrocolorimeter (specular componentsincluded, 8 degrees angle, illuminant D65) in the CIE L*a*b* system.According to this system, the greater the value of L, the lighter orless intense the color. Conversely, the lower the value of L, the darkeror more intense the color.

Kits

The present disclosure also relates to kits, which in some embodimentsinclude a hair bleaching composition according to the disclosure in afirst compartment or container, and a developer composition in a secondcompartment or container. When the hair bleaching and developercomposition are combined, a hair color-altering composition havingthermal control is formed.

In further embodiments, the kit includes a hair bleaching compositionnot according to the disclosure in a first compartment or container, adeveloper composition in a second compartment or container, and athermal control composition in a third compartment or container. Whenthe hair bleaching composition not according to the disclosure, thedeveloper composition, and the thermal control composition are combined,a hair color-altering composition having thermal control is formed.

In yet further embodiments, the kit includes a hair bleachingcomposition not according to the disclosure in a first compartment orcontainer, and a thermal control composition in a second compartment orcontainer. When the hair bleaching composition not according to thedisclosure and the thermal control composition are combined with adeveloper composition not included in the kit, a hair color-alteringcomposition having thermal control is formed.

Instructions, mixing components, brushes, gloves, measuring tools, etc.,may also be included in the kits.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” (or“comprise,” “have,” and “include”) are used in their open, non-limitingsense.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are understood to encompass the plural aswell as the singular.

Thus, the term “a mixture thereof” or “a combination thereof” alsorelates to “mixtures thereof” and “combinations thereof.” Throughout thedisclosure, the terms “a mixture thereof” and “a combination thereof” isused, following a list of elements as shown in the following examplewhere letters A-F represent the elements: “one or more elements selectedfrom the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture thereof.”The terms “a mixture thereof” or “a combination thereof” not requirethat the mixture include all of A, B, C, D, E, and F (although all of A,B, C, D, E, and F may be included). Rather, it indicates that a mixtureof any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F can be included. In otherwords, it is equivalent to the phrase “one or more elements selectedfrom the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture of any twoor more of A, B, C, D, E. and F.”

Likewise, the term “a salt thereof” also relates to “salts thereof.”Thus, where the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the groupconsisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof,”it indicates that that one or more of A, B, C. D, and F may be included,one or more of a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, asalt of E, and a salt of F may be include, or a mixture of any two of A.B, C, D, E, F, a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, asalt of E, and a salt of F may be included.

The salts which are referred to throughout the disclosure may includesalts having a counter-ion such as an alkali metal, alkaline earthmetal, or ammonium counterion. This list of counterions, however, isnon-limiting.

The expression “one or more” means “at least one” and thus includesindividual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

The terms “hair bleaching composition,” “developer composition,” and“hair color-altering composition” are used throughout the disclosure. A“hair bleaching composition” is different than a “hair color-alteringcomposition.” A “hair bleaching composition” comprises one or morepersulfate compounds and is combined with a “developer composition”comprising an oxidizing agent to form a “hair color-alteringcomposition.” Thus, a “hair bleaching composition” and a “developercomposition” are both components of a “hair color-altering composition.”

The term “thermal control” with respect to compositions and methods ofthe present disclosure indicates that when a hair bleaching compositionaccording to the disclosure is mixed with an developer composition toform a hair color-altering composition, the peak temperature of the haircolor-altering composition is lower than that of a hair color-alteringcomposition not according to the disclosure, i.e. lower than 70° C., forexample in various embodiments may be less than about 65° C., less thanabout 60° C., less than about 58° C., less than about 55° C., less thanabout 53° C., or less than about 50° C. A peak temperature less thanabout 65° C., less than about 60° C., less than about 58° C., less thanabout 55° C., less than about 53° C., or less than about 50° C. istypically considered to demonstrate thermal control. The peaktemperature may, in some cases, be reached after a period of 35 minutesor less, such as 30 minutes or less, 25 minutes or less, or 20 minutesor less. A longer time needed to a reach peak temperature is indicativeof improved thermal control.

The term “peak temperature” means the highest temperature that the haircolor-altering composition reached after the hair bleaching compositionand developer composition were mixed, before the temperature of themixture began to fall.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, allnumbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditionsare to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about,” meaning within +/−5% of the indicated number.

All percentages, parts, and ratios herein are by weight, based upon thetotal weight of the compositions in which the component(s) is(are)present, unless otherwise indicated.

The term “treat” (and its grammatical variations) as used herein refersto the application of the compositions of the present disclosure ontothe surface of hair. The term “treat” (and its grammatical variations)as used herein also refers to contacting hair with the compositions ofthe present disclosure.

As used herein, all ranges provided are meant to include every specificrange within, and combination of sub ranges between, the given ranges.Thus, a range from 1-5, includes specifically 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, as wellas sub ranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.

The term “substantially free” or “essentially free” as used herein meansthat there is less than about 5% by weight of a specific material addedto a composition, based on the total weight of the compositions.Nonetheless, the compositions may include less than about 3%, less thanabout 2%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, less than about0.1%, less than about 0.01%, or none of the specified material.

All ranges and values disclosed herein are inclusive and combinable. Forexamples, any value or point described herein that falls within a rangedescribed herein can serve as a minimum or maximum value to derive asub-range, etc.

All publications and patent applications cited in this specification areherein incorporated by reference, and for any and all purposes, as ifeach individual publication or patent application were specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In the event ofan inconsistency between the present disclosure and any publications orpatent application incorporated herein by reference, the presentdisclosure controls.

The following examples serve to illustrate embodiments of the presentdisclosure without, however, being limiting in nature. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications andvariations can be made in the delivery system, composition and methodsof the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover themodifications and variations that come within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

EXAMPLES

Implementation of the present disclosure is demonstrated by way of thefollowing non-limiting examples. In the Examples, all amounts are givenby weight, relative to the total weight of the composition in which theyare present.

Example 1—Hair Bleaching Compositions

The inventive and comparative pulverulent, substantially anhydrous hairbleaching compositions in Table 1 were prepared.

TABLE 1 Inventive Comparative Composition Compositions 1A C1 C2CARBOXYLIC ACID 3.64 3.64 3.64 AMMONIUM SULFATE 71.50 6.51 SODIUMSTEARATE 4.01 TALC 6.51 POTASSIUM PERSULFATE 41.60 41.60 41.60 DISODIUMEDTA 0.95 0.95 0.95 ULTRAMARINES 0.05 0.05 0.05 MINERAL OIL 2.00 2.002.00 ALKALINE AGENTS 11.00 11.00 11.00 SODIUM METASILICATE 14.00 14.0014.00 SODIUM SILICATE 5.86 5.86 5.86 AMMONIUM PERSULFATE 11.60 11.6011.60 THICKENING AGENTS 1.99 1.99 1.99 SURFACTANTS 0.80 0.80 0.80

Example 2—Developer Composition

The developer composition (40V) in Table 2 was prepared.

TABLE 2 Developer Composition 2 TRIDECETH-2 CARBOXAMIDE MEA 0.1 to 3CETEARYL, ALCOHOL (and) 2.85 CETEARETH-25 HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 11.75ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS <1 WATER QS

Example 3—Comparative Testing

Testing was carried out to assess the lift and thermal control of haircolor-altering compositions prepared by mixing inventive hair bleachingcomposition 1A with developer composition 2, in comparison to the liftand thermal control of hair color-altering compositions prepared bymixing hair bleaching compositions C1-C2 not according to the disclosurewith developer composition 2.

Example 3-1—Thermal Control Assessment

Thermal control was measured by conducting a bowl test in which 60 g ofthe pulverulent hair bleaching compositions 1A and C1-C2 and 60 g of the40V developer composition 2 (1:1 ratio) were mixed together in a bowl toprepare hair color-altering compositions, which were allowed to rest inambient conditions with a temperature probe in each mixture. Thetemperature was recorded every minute, and from the resulting data thepeak temperature and the time needed to reach the peak temperature weredetermined, as shown in Table 3-1.

TABLE 3-1 Hair Color-Altering Compositions: Peak Temperature/Time HairHair Color- Bleaching Developer Mix Altering Peak Temperature/Composition Composition Ratio Composition Time to Reach 1A 2 1:1 1A/2A47.7° C./23 minutes C1 2 1:1 C1/2A 40.3° C./27 minutes C2 2 1:1 C2/2A64.4° C./32 minutes

As seen in Table 3-1, compositions 1A/2A and C1/2A have a peaktemperature less than about 48° C., and are thus considered todemonstrate significantly better thermal control than composition C2/2A,which had a peak temperature above 64° C.

Example 3-2—Lift Assessment

Lift was evaluated by first mixing hair bleaching compositions 1A andC1-C2 with developer composition 2 at a ratio of 1:1.5 (hair bleachingcomposition:developer composition), applying each of the compositions toa separate swatch of hair (Level 3, Natural) at a composition:hair ratioof about 10:1, and covering the swatch in foil. The swatches wereprocessed for about 25 minutes at about 33° C. The foil was removed, asecond application of hair color-altering composition was applied, thefoil replaced, and the swatches were processed a second time for about25 minutes at about 33° C., then rinsed with water and air dried.

The change in tone of the swatches was evaluated once dry, with the toneof the swatch treated with C2/2B used as the baseline against which thelift imparted by 1A/2B and C1/2B were measured. From the data, theresultant L* values were computed and compared, as shown in Table 3-2.In particular, the lightening performance (lightness L) was measuredusing a Datacolor 600 spectrocolorimeter (illuminant D65, angle 8°,specular components included) in the CIE L*a*b* system. L* representsthe lightness: the higher the value of L*, the more the lock islightened. A difference in L* values (Δ L*) greater than 1.5 indicates asignificant difference, since this amount is indicative of the abilityof the human eye to perceive differences, with a higher Δ L* equating tobetter lift.

TABLE 3-2 Hair Color-Altering Compositions: Lift Hair Hair Color-Bleaching Developer Mix Altering Composition Composition RatioComposition Δ L* 1A 2 1:1.5 1A/2B 0.93 C1 2 1:1.5 C1/2B −3.39 C2 2 1:1.5C2/2B —

As seen in Table 3-2, composition 1A/2B imparted significant improvementin lift over comparative compositions C1/2B (with C2/2B as thebaseline).

This Example therefore demonstrates a synergistic result in terms oflift and thermal control using hair color-altering compositions preparedby mixing a hair bleaching composition according to the disclosure witha developer composition. The data in Tables 3-1 and 3-2 demonstrate thata hair color-altering composition having a reduced peak temperature, andwhich is able to provide superior lift to the color of the hair, can beachieved.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A pulverulent hair bleaching compositioncomprising: (a) at least two thermal control agents comprising sodiumstearate and ammonium sulfate; (b) at least one persulfate compound; and(c) at least one silicate compound chosen from sodium silicate, sodiummetasilicate, or mixtures thereof; wherein sodium stearate is present inan amount greater than about 2.5% by weight, relative to the totalweight of the pulverulent hair bleaching composition; wherein ammoniumsulfate is present in an amount greater than about 2% by weight,relative to the total weight of the pulverulent hair bleachingcomposition; wherein the weight ratio of sodium stearate to ammoniumsulfate is greater than about 1:1; and wherein the composition comprisesless than 1% water by weight, relative to the total weight of thepulverulent hair bleaching composition.
 2. The pulverulent hairbleaching composition of claim 1, wherein the total amount of thethermal control agents ranges from about 4% to about 20% by weight,relative to the total weight of the pulverulent hair bleachingcomposition.
 3. The pulverulent hair bleaching composition of claim 1,wherein the at least one silicate comprises sodium metasilicate, presentin amount of at least 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of thepulverulent hair bleaching composition.
 4. The pulverulent hairbleaching composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one persulfatecompound is chosen from potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate,sodium persulfate, or mixtures thereof.
 5. The pulverulent hairbleaching composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one persulfatecompound comprises ammonium persulfate, present in an amount of at leastabout 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the pulverulent hairbleaching composition.
 6. An aqueous hair color-altering compositioncomprising: 1) a pulverulent hair bleaching composition comprising: (a)at least two thermal control agents comprising sodium stearate andammonium sulfate; (b) at least one persulfate compound comprisingammonium persulfate; and (c) at least one silicate compound chosen fromsodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, or mixtures thereof; wherein theweight ratio of sodium stearate to ammonium sulfate is greater thanabout 1:1; and 2) a developer composition comprising at least oneoxidizing agent; wherein the pulverulent hair bleaching composition andthe developer composition are mixed to form the aqueous haircolor-altering composition.
 7. The aqueous hair color-alteringcomposition of claim 6, wherein the total amount of the thermal controlagents ranges from about 4% to about 20% by weight, relative to thetotal weight of the pulverulent hair bleaching composition.
 8. Theaqueous hair color-altering composition of claim 6, which has a peaktemperature of less than about 60° C.
 9. The aqueous hair color-alteringcomposition of claim 6, wherein the pulverulent hair bleachingcomposition and the developer composition are mixed at a ratio rangingfrom about 1:3 to about 3:1.
 10. The aqueous hair color-alteringcomposition of claim 6, wherein the at least one silicate comprisessodium metasilicate, present in amount of at least about 5% by weight,relative to the total weight of the pulverulent hair bleachingcomposition.
 11. The aqueous hair color-altering composition of claim 6,wherein the at least one persulfate compound comprises at least oneadditional persulfate chosen from potassium persulfate, sodiumpersulfate, and mixtures thereof.
 12. The aqueous hair color-alteringcomposition of claim 6, wherein the ammonium persulfate is present in anamount of at least about 5% by weight, relative to the total weight ofthe pulverulent hair bleaching composition.
 13. A method for preparingan aqueous hair color-altering composition comprising mixing apulverulent hair bleaching composition and a developer composition toform a mixture having a peak temperature less than about 60° C., whereinthe pulverulent hair bleaching composition comprises: (a) at least twothermal control agents comprising sodium stearate and ammonium sulfate;(b) at least one persulfate compound; and (c) at least one silicatecompound chosen from sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, or mixturesthereof; wherein sodium stearate is present in an amount greater thanabout 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the pulverulent hairbleaching composition; wherein ammonium sulfate is present in an amountgreater than about 1.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of thepulverulent hair bleaching composition; wherein the weight ratio ofsodium stearate to ammonium sulfate is greater than about 1:1; whereinthe developer composition comprises at least one oxidizing agent; andwherein the mixture comprises water.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinthe total amount of the thermal control agents ranges from about 4% toabout 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the pulverulenthair bleaching composition.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the peaktemperature of the mixture is less than about 58° C.
 16. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the at least one oxidizing agent comprises hydrogenperoxide.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one silicatecomprises sodium metasilicate, present in amount of at least about 5% byweight, relative to the total weight of the pulverulent hair bleachingcomposition.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least onepersulfate compound is chosen from potassium persulfate, ammoniumpersulfate, sodium persulfate, and mixtures thereof.
 19. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the at least one persulfate compound comprisesammonium persulfate, present in an amount of at least about 5% byweight, relative to the total weight of the pulverulent hair bleachingcomposition.
 20. A kit comprising: 1) a first compartment comprising apulverulent hair bleaching composition comprising: (a) at least twothermal control agents comprising sodium stearate and ammonium sulfate;(b) at least one persulfate compound; and (c) at least one silicatecompound chosen from sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, or mixturesthereof; wherein sodium stearate is present in an amount greater thanabout 2.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the pulverulenthair bleaching composition; wherein ammonium sulfate is present in anamount greater than about 2% by weight, relative to the total weight ofthe pulverulent hair bleaching composition; and wherein the weight ratioof sodium stearate to ammonium sulfate is greater than about 1:1; and 2)a second compartment comprising a developer composition comprising atleast one oxidizing agent; and 3) optionally, a third compartmentcomprising a conditioning composition.
 21. A hair-color alteringcomposition comprising: (a) at least two thermal control agentscomprising sodium stearate and ammonium sulfate; (b) at least onepersulfate compound; (c) at least one silicate compound; (d) at leastone oxidizing agent; and (e) water; wherein the ratio of sodium stearateto ammonium sulfate is greater than about 1:1; and wherein the peaktemperature of the hair color-altering composition is less than about60° C.